“Twenty years ago, our objective was to build a top shelf litigation firm that could compete for the best litigation team that New Jersey had to offer while overcoming the hesitancy that some Boards of Directors might have in retaining a smaller boutique firm. I think we not only have meaningfully achieved that objective, but that Pashman Stein has also set the bar for how we attract the best caliber of lawyers, while creating a truly unique work environment,” noted Stein.

“The thing I am most excited about is our young talent -- they could change the world. They are an extraordinary group of young lawyers, many of whom have come from some of the nation’s largest and most esteemed law firms. We are committed to reinvesting in those resources,” Stein said. “We learned early on that money alone could not reliably attract the best; we needed to create a unique work atmosphere, the kind that made our people feel like this was a truly special place.”

Pashman Stein offers its employees a myriad of perks not typically associated with a 31-lawyer firm, including closing early on Fridays year round, paid time off for one’s birthday, subsidized gym memberships, ordering dinners in for attorneys, associate luncheons twice a month, and, perhaps most notably, paid maternity and paternity leave, something Stein says, is an anomaly among firms his size.

The firm also recently expanded its office space and completely modernized it to accommodate new ways of working that better integrate the technological advances of the last 10 years. Breaking with traditional law office design paradigms, the space features an open floor plan with wireless network connectivity, as well as collaborative work and meeting spaces where teams of attorneys and staff can work on client matters together. In addition, the firm moved away from the traditional partner- and associate-sized offices to a design that has uniformly-sized offices for all attorneys. The space also features ergonomic furniture that not only works well with the firm’s technology, but also allows all attorneys to work either seated or standing up.

“We have created an inspiring and very beautiful space that facilitates collaborative work among our practice areas, which also is a hallmark of the practice we have built over the last two decades,” Stein added.

Pashman Stein was co-founded by Stein, who is the son of former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Gary Stein, who now is counsel at Pashman Stein, and Louis Pashman, son of New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Morris Pashman.

“When we founded the firm, Mike and I had a vision but I never would have imagined that in 20 years we would have built the kind of reputation we now enjoy as a high-end litigation firm that has hit the radar of businesses throughout our state and region,” said Louis Pashman.

Pashman Stein has also worked to foster a diverse culture that is inclusive with regard to ethnicity, religion and gender.

Maxiel Gomez, chair of the diversity committee and a partner in the labor & employment practice with 11 years’ experience, who joined Pashman Stein as an associate just five years ago, said, “We have a very friendly and collaborative atmosphere here, and it is balanced against extraordinary passion and energy along with a resolute commitment to the highest quality work. What also distinguishes Pashman Stein from other firms is that the younger partners and senior associates are involved in the vital decisions about the future of the firm.”

Looking ahead, Stein says the goal is to pay it forward. “With eyes wide open and with great enthusiasm, we are planting the seeds of a succession to pass on this great firm to our new generation of extraordinary young lawyers,” Stein explained. “I am not talking about size; I am talking about strength. We are prepared to do whatever we can do to strengthen Pashman Stein as an institution and always make it a place that attracts the best young talent. I am extremely mindful of the need to continue to nurture the institution and I am devoted to continuing to build a firm that will endure.”

About Pashman Stein
Pashman Stein is one of New Jersey’s leading commercial law firms with a premier litigation practice focused in the areas of alternative dispute resolution, appellate advocacy, chancery litigation, complex commercial litigation, labor and employment, environmental law, family law, legal ethics, and probate litigation. Headquartered in Hackensack, New Jersey, Pashman Stein represents individuals and regional companies as well as national and multinational organizations with a New Jersey presence. For more information, visit http://www.pashmanstein.com.